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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Tag: Tri-County Health Department

  • Aurora Motor Vehicle Office closes temporarily   after employee tests positive for COVID-19

    Aurora Motor Vehicle Office closes temporarily   after employee tests positive for COVID-19

    Closure effective from Wednesday, July 15 through Friday, July 17 

    Arapahoe County will temporarily close its Aurora Motor Vehicle Office from Wednesday, July 15 through Friday, July 17, after the county confirmed one employee tested positive for COVID-19 and other employees may have been exposed. The office is located at 490 S. Chambers Road in Aurora. 

    Arapahoe County is following Tri-County Health Department and CDC guidelines that cover what steps to take when an employee tests positive, and the one employee who tested positive is quarantining. Additionally, employees who have worked at the Aurora office within the past week are being encouraged to get tested. Public health guidelines state that exposure has taken place when a person is in a contained space for 15 minutes or longer with someone known to have the virus. 

    The County is reaching out to customers who had appointments for motor vehicle services at the Aurora office for rescheduling. Motor vehicle services will continue being offered by appointment only at the Littleton, Centennial and Byers offices. Offices are being deep cleaned and decontaminated as a precautionary measure.  

    “We are closing the Aurora Motor Vehicle Office out of an abundance of caution for our customers and our employees,” said Clerk and Recorder Joan Lopez. “We will continue to monitor the situation and work closely with Tri-County Health to ensure we are doing everything possible to keep everyone safe. We ask for patience and understanding during this time and understand this closure comes at a time when customers have had limited access to services due to COVID. The safety or our customers and employees is our top concern.”  

    Many motor vehicle transactions can be handled online at https://mydmv.colorado.gov, including vehicle renewals, replacement documents and disability placards. Renewal kiosks are also available throughout Arapahoe County and in neighboring counties that can process most renewal transactions. These kiosk locations can be found at https://comvexpress.com/. Customers can use any of these kiosks to process renewals. 

    Arapahoe County has instituted health and safety protocols since reopening facilities to the public. These measures include sanitizing counters and workstations regularly, requiring employees and visitors to wear face coverings, additional cleaning in public areas, employee temperature monitoring, practicing social distancing, ample instructional signage in all offices, adding hand sanitizing stations throughout the buildings, and encouraging residents to access services online to handle many transactions remotely. 

    photo credit: MGN Online

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  • Health Department Orders restaurant to close after it violates Governor Polis’ Public Health Orders

    Health Department Orders restaurant to close after it violates Governor Polis’ Public Health Orders

    Tri-County Health Department issued an order to close to the C&C Breakfast & Korean Kitchen, a Cookies and Crema Company in Castle Rock today just after 12:30 p.m. after warning the restaurant on Friday not to open and reminding them they are only allowed to do take-out and delivery.  Despite the warning, the restaurant was opened to dine in eating on May 10 in violation of Public Health Orders issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).

     The restaurant was ordered to close immediately and to remain closed until such time as the Tri-County Health Department (TCHD) determines the establishment is in compliance with the Public Health Order 20-28. If the restaurant refuses to follow Governor Polis’ Public Health Order, further legal action will be taken that could include revocation of the restaurant’s license.

     Restaurants and Bars have been closed to dining and have only been able to do delivery and pick up service since March 19, 2020. Under state statute, as the health department serving Douglas County, Tri-County Health Department is the entity responsible for enforcing the State’s public health orders as well as its own.

     “It is disheartening that this restaurant has chosen to move ahead of the public orders and not even consider implementing best practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It is not fair to the rest of the community and other business owners that are following Safer at Home and doing their part.  We sincerely hope that C&C will choose to cooperate with the rules under which they are allowed to operate so we can lift this closure order,” said John M. Douglas, Jr., MD, Executive Director of Tri-County Health Department.

     

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  • Arapahoe County Fairgrounds transformed to alternate care medical facility

    Arapahoe County Fairgrounds transformed to alternate care medical facility

    Littleton, CO—April 15, 2020—The Arapahoe County Fairgrounds have been converted to a tier 4 alternate care facility for COVID-19 patients to help alleviate crowding at regional hospitals. The temporary facility will host cases that don’t require acute or critical care. Upon opening, the site can hold 54 individuals and can increase capacity up to 150 if the need arises. The medical shelter is the product of a multi-agency response team that completed the transformation in a matter of days with the help of the Colorado National Guard.

     The alternate care facility does not accept walk-up patients and is not a hospital. Rather, the facility operates as a medical shelter and is best suited for those patients who are ready to return to their original housing situation but are unable to do so because of their circumstances. Local hospitals will make direct referrals for guests to the facility. The temporary alternate care facility is being managed by the Arapahoe County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), with paramedics and medical students providing care and observation for recovering guests.

     “We are grateful to have the expertise and resources to provide this much-needed facility for Arapahoe County,” said Nancy Sharpe, chair of the Board of County Commissioners. “Reducing patient loads on our hospitals means that those who need critical care can get it, and the temporary facility will provide observation and care for individuals recovering from the disease.”

     The Emergency Operations Center—which operates under the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office—is managing the County’s response to the pandemic, working in partnership with the Board of County Commissioners, Tri-County Health Department, state and local officials. The EOC coordinates resources, implements emergency operations and handles logistics support for law enforcement and municipalities across the County.

     Building on established emergency plans, the EOC outfitted the facility, relocating existing supplies such as durable medical equipment and beds from across the County. Local municipalities and nonprofits also donated to support the facility, including use of a shower trailer donated by the nonprofit Aurora Warms the Night. The EOC also finalized contracts with local businesses for feeding, linens, sanitizer stations, janitorial services and security.

     Assisting with the transformation of the site was the South Metro Fire District, Sable Altura Fire Department, the Colorado National Guard, Xcel Energy, Rocky Vista University and Concorde Career College. “Arapahoe County is fortunate to have amazing partnerships in place to assist with our COVID-19 response. The skill, ability, and resourcefulness of our partners allowed us to convert this building to an alternate care facility in record time,” said Nate Fogg, the County’s emergency manager. “Their contributions are monumental and important for our efforts to maintain the health and safety of all Arapahoe County citizens.” 

     

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  • Metro Denver Public Health Departments Rescind Stay at Home Public Health Orders; Adopt State Order

     

    statewide stay at home order

    Statement: Metro Denver Public Health Departments Rescind Stay at Home Public Health Orders; Adopt State Order

    Boulder County Public Health, Jefferson County Public Health and Tri-County Health Department applaud Gov. Polis and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for issuing a Stay at Home Public Health Order effective Mar. 26 to protect the health and safety of our communities. After much discussion and consideration, our three local health departments have decided to rescind our local level Orders and formally adopt the state’s Order. We believe this action will ensure social distancing requirements are consistent across the state, and that our communities are not confused by multiple Orders.

    For more information about the state’s order, please visit: covid19.colorado.gov

    While Tri-County Health Department is rescinding the current order we also recognize the unique needs of our counties and will if necessary seek waivers from the state to address those needs. 

    We are reaching out to Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) for clarification on provisions, if provisions are interpreted to be more restrictive than we think is appropriate we will ask CDPHE to modify their order. If CDPHE is unwilling or unable to modify, we will ask for a waiver.

    For general questions about COVID-19: Community members can call CO-HELP at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911, or email for answers in English, Spanish, Mandarin and more.

    For more information about COVID-19 in your county: 

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  • Arapahoe County extends closure of county facilities to the public through April 17

    Arapahoe County extends closure of county facilities to the public through April 17

    The Arapahoe County Board of County Commissioners has announced that all county facilities will remain closed to the public effective through at least April 17, 2020. This closure is designed to help curb the spread of COVID-19, and the decision is consistent with guidelines issued by the White House, and by state and public health officials.

    The county will continue to make a number of its services available online, and many county operations will continue during this closure. 

    The Board of County Commissioners is working closely with the Tri-County Health Department and the county’s Office of Emergency Management to monitor the situation and will make any changes as new data or guidance becomes available.

    County departments and offices will maintain reduced staffing levels to support essential operations, while other employees will work from home.

    For more information, visit ArapahoeGov.com/covid19.

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  • Gardner to Self-Quarantine Following Contact with Coloradan who Tested Positive for Coronavirus

    Gardner to Self-Quarantine Following Contact with Coloradan who Tested Positive for Coronavirus

    Washington, D.C. – Today U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) released the following statement regarding his decision to self-quarantine after contact with a Colorado constituent who was visiting Washington, D.C. and later tested positive for coronavirus. 

    “I was alerted today by the Tri-County Health Department that a Coloradan who visited my Washington office for a constituent meeting has tested positive for coronavirus. While I am not showing any symptoms at this time, I have made the decision to self-quarantine out of an abundance of caution with an effective date of March 11th at the recommendation of the Tri-County Health Department. The health and safety of Coloradans and Americans across the nation is my top priority, and I will continue working to make sure Congress provides the resources needed to help combat the spread of COVID-19,” said Senator Gardner.

    Senator Gardner is taking action to protect Coloradans from the COVID-19 outbreak:

    • On March 17, Gardner requested that the Federal Emergency Management Agency provide clear guidelines to state and local governments on the options available to them under the national emergency declaration.
    • On March 17, Gardner also called for additional provisions known as the American Workforce Act to support American workers and boost the economy to be included in the economic stimulus package being considered by the Senate in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
    • On March 16, Gardner urged the Department of Veterans Affairs to take every precaution to ensure veterans receive quality medical care during the COVID-19 outbreak.
    • Congress approved $8.3 billion for the United States to prepare for and respond to the COVID-19 outbreak on March 5, with Gardner’s support.
    • At Gardner’s urging, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Robert Lighthizer removed tariffs on certain medical products that are necessary for the U.S. to prepare for the COVID-19 outbreak.
    • On March 4, Gardner pressed Senate witnesses about the United States’ preparedness for the COVID-19 outbreak at a hearing held by the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation and Space’s hearing titled “From SARS to Coronavirus: Examining the Role of Global Aviation in Containing the Spread of Infectious Disease.”
    • Gardner and the entire Colorado congressional delegation sent a letter to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Wellness and Response on March 4 in support of the State of Colorado’s grant request to ensure preparedness for the novel coronavirus outbreak.  
    • On February 28, Gardner wrote to United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Robert Lighthizer requesting USTR remove section 301 import tariffs on medical products that are necessary for the U.S. to prepare for the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
    • On February 27, Gardner wrote to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Robert Redfield, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and Federal Aviation Administrator Steve Dickson requesting information regarding the United States’ domestic and international screening and prevention practices for the coronavirus with regard to countries with a growing number of hotspots.
    • On February 6, Gardner wrote to Senate Appropriations leaders requesting that they work with the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure robust funding for the outbreak response.
    • On January 31, Gardner wrote to World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros concerning Taiwan’s exclusion from the WHO and WHO-sponsored emergency briefings regarding the coronavirus.
    • Also on January 31, Gardner wrote to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Azar requesting that the novel coronavirus taskforce coordinate with medical supply manufacturers to ensure that the U.S. has a medical supply strategy in place to address possible shortages in light of potential further spread of the virus.
    • In January after the first reports of the coronavirus were confirmed in the U.S., Gardner contacted the CDC to inquire about steps that they plan to take to contain the outbreak and work with other domestic and international agencies to develop screening practices and treatments.
    • Gardner also contacted the State Department with concerns about the coronavirus and its implication for global health, and China’s handling of the outbreak.
    • At Gardner’s urging on January 24, the U.S. Senate Committees on Foreign Relations and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions held a briefing from top U.S. officials regarding the coronavirus.

     

     

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  • Arapahoe County Resident Tests Positive for COVID-19

    Arapahoe County Resident Tests Positive for COVID-19

    The Arapahoe County woman in her 30s recently returned from international travel to India and lives in Centennial. This is the first presumptive positive test for a person in Arapahoe County.

    “We are just learning of this positive test from Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and will begin our contact investigation to determine if there were any other potential exposures,” said John M. Douglas, Jr., MD, Executive Director of Tri-County Health Department.

    The case is a “presumptive positive” because the initial testing was done at the state level, and test results will be confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). TCHD is working closely with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to work with each family and to protect the health and safety of Coloradans.

    If you are feeling ill with symptoms of cough, fever, difficulty breathing similar to those associated with COVID-19:

    • Manage your symptoms at home the same way you manage other cold symptoms. We want to reduce the risk of transmission, so to the extent possible, people with flu-like symptoms should remain at home.
    • If you need medical care, contact your primary care provider and schedule a visit. Let them know that you are concerned you might have COVID-19.
    • Only contact 911 for emergencies requiring immediate life-saving care and let them know if you are concerned you might have COVID-19.
    • Restrict visits to the hospital emergency room or urgent care – only individuals needing immediate care should visit these facilities. If you must visit an ER or urgent care facility, call ahead and let them know that you are concerned you might have COVID-19.

    CDC’s testing guidance includes three types of people:

    1. Those who have symptoms such as fever OR lower respiratory symptoms (cough or shortness of breath) and have had “close contact” with a confirmed coronavirus patient within 14 days of their first symptoms.
    2. Those who have fever AND/OR lower respiratory symptoms, require hospitalization, and have traveled to areas impacted by the epidemic in the last 14 days.
    3. Patients with fever and severe, acute lower respiratory symptoms who require hospitalization, and for whom no other diagnosis has been found — such as the flu. No travel or contact exposure is needed.

    Health officials advise Coloradans to stay informed, take simple disease prevention measures, and to be prepared to shelter at home for an extended period of time, as if preparing for a major snow event.

    • Practice good hygiene. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. In the absence of soap and water, use hand-sanitizer.
    • Use your elbow or sleeve to cover coughs and sneezes. If you use a tissue, throw it away and promptly wash your hands.
    • Stay home if you are sick, even if you think you only have the flu, a cold or allergies– and keep your children home if they are sick. Talk to your employer about their sick policy and telecommuting.
    • Stay informed with reliable, up-to-date information by visiting tchd.org/coronavirus and www.cdc.gov/covid19.

    If you have general questions about COVID-19 coronavirus disease, call the CO-HELP InfoLine at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911 or email , for answers in English, Spanish, Chinese, and more.

    On Wednesday, March 11, 7– 8:30 p.m., Douglas, Adams and Arapahoe Counties will host a COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall with the opportunity to hear directly from Tri-County Health Department officials: Dr. John Douglas, executive director; Dr. Bernadette Ann Albanese, medical epidemiologist; and Michele Askenazi, MPH, CHES, the department’s director of emergency preparedness, response, and communicable disease surveillance. Tri-County Health Department serves more than 1.5 million people in Adams, Arapahoe and Douglas Counties and is the largest local public health agency in the state.

    The virtual town hall will be aired live from 7-8:30 p.m., on the County’s website at douglas.co.us , as well as on Douglas County’s YouTube page, and Facebook page. A Spanish translation of the event will also be available. The recorded event will be posted online following the meeting. Callers may also listen in and ask questions during the town hall by dialing 1-855-436-3656.

    Tri-County Health Department officials will provide updates on the status of the virus in the three-county area. They will also provide information about proactive measures being taken to maximize community safety and other fundamental information such as: what is the transmission risk; what are the best actions individuals and businesses can take right now; and more. Virtual town hall participants may ask questions both before and during the live event and receive answers from Tri-County Health, county leaders and emergency management staff.

    Residents and business owners from all three counties may immediately post questions that will help officials from each county, and from Tri-County Health, learn more about some of the most frequently asked COVID-19 questions in their communities, and to have the opportunity to research the answers before the meeting.

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